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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 525 of 1027

Mandala 7: HYMN IX. Agni.

1.ROUSED from their bosom is the Dawns’ beloved, the joyous Priest, most sapient, Purifier. He gives a signal both to Gods and mortals, to Gods oblations, riches to the pious.

2.Most wise is he who, forcing doors of Paṇis, brought the bright Sun to us who feedeth many. The cheerful Priest, men’s Friend and home-companion, through still night’s darkness he is made apparent.

3.Wise, ne.’er deceived, uncircumscribed, refulgent, our gracious guest, a Friend with good attendants, Shines forth with wondrous light before the Mornings; the young plants hath he entered, Child of Waters.

4.Seeking our gatherings, he, your Jātavedas, hath shone adorable through human ages, Who gleams refulgent with his lovely lustre: the kine have waked to meet him when enkindled.

5.Go on thy message to the Gods, and fail not, O Agni, with their band who pray and worship. Bring all the Gods that they may give us riches, Sarasvatī, the Maruts, Aśvins, Waters.

6.Vasiṣṭha, when enkindling thee, O Agni, hath slain jarutha. Give us wealth in plenty. Sing praise in choral song, O Jātavedas. Ye Gods, preserve us evermore with blessings.

Asked of Guide

Why does this hymn call Agni

The hymn names Agni with many epithets—Jātavedas, Purifier, Dawns’ beloved—to show his multiple roles: priest, messenger, household friend, and revealer of light. Each title points to a concrete action in the verses (he gives

forces

and is

) tying the god to sacrifice, dawn, and protection.

The poem asks Agni to go

bringing gods like Sarasvatī, the Maruts, the Aśvins, and Waters to grant wealth and blessing; that request frames Agni as a bridge between worshippers and deities. This functional portrait matches what Sāyana and later readers note in their commentaries: Agni is the sacrificial medium who carries offerings and presence to other gods.

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